Ranking the Minnesota Twins’ 5 Biggest Offseason Needs

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The owner of the Minnesota Twins has decided that he wants his team to compete. That could mean basically nothing for the 2014 season or it could be a really good sign. On one hand if they have a higher payroll to play with they could fill more needs in the MLB offseason. On the other hand it is possible that any changes will be made over two or three seasons. A few things are going well for the Twins already but they do have a few areas where they need help.

They do not need a first baseman now and that is definitely a good thing. Joe Mauer finally made the choice that most figured he would have to make and moved officially to first base full time. That will put one of the more consistent sluggers in baseball in the line-up most every day and it should mean he is healthier for the balance of the season. Another good spot for them is the closer position.

Glen Perkins has emerged in the last couple of seasons as one of the most reliable closers in MLB. He along with a few solid bullpen members make the last few innings something that could be strength for the Twins. Still, this is the same Twins team from 2013 for now and they have to address a couple of needs if they want to really compete in any solid way in 2014.

5 – Bring Byron Buxton Along

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Buxton has been one of the top prospects in the game for a while now and should be allowed to mature at a healthy rate. At the same time however the Twins could really benefit from a boost that someone with his speed and excitement could potentially bring. Any showing towards the end of the 2014 season would definitely prove exciting.

4 – Trade Chris Colabello

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The move of Mauer to first base pretty much means that the Twins have to either send Colabello back to the minors or trade him to someone. Colabello isn’t exactly going to bring back a huge return on a trade but the 30-year old has proven that he can handle himself at first in MLB which could mean something coming back to the Twins.

3 – Inning Eating Starting Pitcher

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The Twins have their eyes on the free agent pitching market this offseason because they definitely need to address their starting five. Someone that is on the second tier of starters like Ricky Nolasco or Scott Feldman and many like them would be a big plus in this spot. Even a veteran inning eater like Joe Saunders might be worth a look.

2 – Top of the Line Starter

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The Twins aren’t going to bring an established ace in from the free agent market but they very well could bring in some higher end starters. Ubaldo Jimenez comes to mind as one possibility and they have had their name in the hunt for Ervin Santana. A lesser veteran like Bronson Arroyo would also be able to take a more prominent role on the Twins roster as they wait for some young talent to hit the big leagues.

1 – Sign a Veteran Catcher

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With Mauer’s move to first the Twins have a clear hole at the catcher position that needs addressing. One person bound to fight for playing time there will be young Josmil Pinto who played very well at the end of 2013. Still, signing someone like A.J. Pierzynski would be a very big plus for them in 2014.